Faye only returned to the side at Sunderland on Monday night after overcoming a back problem, but the Potters skipper had to be withdrawn after suffering back spasms and now looks set to miss out again.

That should mean a recall for Andy Wilkinson at right-back, while Ricardo Fuller may also return to the starting line-up up front.

Tony Pulis has decisions to make in midfield, with Salif Diao, Glenn Whelan, Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence competing for two places alongside the in-form Dean Whitehead and Matthew Etherington.

New signing Asmir Begovic will be on the bench after completing his move from Portsmouth on transfer deadline day.